Opening of Palmyra Handicraft training Centre in Pallai

Palmyra trees grow in huge amounts in the nothern part in the island of Sri Lanka. As a consequence of the war, many of them have been destroyed. There has been a long-standing tradition, where the leaves of these trees have been used to produce beautiful and cleverly made handicrafts. Due to the lack of Palmyra trees and ignorance by natives, this culture and tradition has been lost.

A center for training unemployed women and youths in handicrafts from Palmyra produce was opened in Maazar village in Pallai administrative district last week for a cost of Rs 460,000 funded by International Labor Organization (ILO) and local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), co-coordinated by Palmyra Development Board and the Economic Consultancy House (TECH), sources from Pallai said.

ILO (International Labour Organisation) donated 460,000 Rs to TECH, to establish a training centre at Palai, which would train individuals with this skill. This was opened on 14 th October 2005 . This training centre was opened in Pallai, as there are many palmera trees in this area. Initially, forty individuals were selected for this training. Planning officer for TECH, Mr Janarthanan presided the event. National Peace Council NPC executive committee member, Mr.Nimalan Karthikeyan, lit the ceremonial flame at the start of the event and Executive Director of TECH, S Suhunan hoisted the Tamileelam flag.

Kilinochchi district Official for the Palmyrah Development Board, Mr Maanicam, and Pallai Assistant Government Agent gave welcome addresses. Ms Vathani Janavi, Teacher at the Training Center, detailed the activities and training methods to be used at the center